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City to present flood plan findings at Monday meeting

Modeling shows increased vulnerability in Holmes Run, Cameron Run and Backlick Run watersheds

,   and  Ryan Belmore
2 min read
Flood modeling projects inundation across Alexandria under current and future climate scenarios, with blue areas indicating the extent of flooding. The city will present findings at a community meeting on Monday. (City of Alexandria)

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The city will present flood modeling results and gather public input on flooding impacts at a community meeting on Monday at Patrick Henry Recreation Center.

The 7 to 8:30 p.m. meeting will include findings from the Flood Resilience Plan, a community vulnerability assessment and resident survey feedback. The meeting will also be available via Zoom.

Alexandria experiences three types of flooding: urban flooding from heavy rainfall, riverine flooding from streams overflowing their banks, and coastal flooding from the Potomac River. (City of Alexandria)

City flood modeling identifies urban flooding, including flash floods and sewer backups, riverine flooding from streams and rivers, and coastal flooding from the Potomac River caused by high tides and storm surges.

A vulnerability assessment identifies watersheds most at risk from flooding, with darker blue indicating higher vulnerability. Holmes Run, Cameron Run, and Backlick Run emerged as areas needing further study. (City of Alexandria)

The vulnerability assessment confirms high flood risk in watersheds where the city has focused recent efforts — Potomac River, Four Mile Run, and Hooffs Run. It also highlights three areas needing further study: Holmes Run, Cameron Ru,n and Backlick Run.

The presentation shows flood modeling for current conditions and 2075 climate projections under three scenarios: a future 10% probability event, a current 1% probability event, and a future 1% probability event.

Of 140 survey respondents, 93% have experienced flooding in Alexandria and 59% are very concerned about future impacts. (City of Alexandria)

An online community survey has collected 140 responses, with 93% of respondents reporting flooding experiences in Alexandria. Fifty-two percent reported experiencing flooding often or very often. The survey has mapped 128 flood locations citywide and remains open through Nov. 30 at bit.ly/AlexCommunitySurvey.

The plan, funded by a Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation grant, builds on the city’s Flood Action Alexandria initiative launched in 2021. It will identify flood hazards, prioritize mitigation projects, and develop strategies for flood risk reduction.

The city has 16 completed flood mitigation projects, with 11 currently under construction, 19 in the design stage, and 7 in the planning stage. (City of Alexandria)

Next steps include developing a resilience strategy addressing mitigation solutions, equity, preparedness, policies, communications, and funding. A second community meeting is scheduled for early 2026, with the final plan due in June of that year.

The meeting will take place at the Patrick Henry Recreation Center, located at 4653 Taney Ave., and is accessible via the free DASH Bus Route 8W. Virtual attendees can join the meeting via Zoom using the meeting ID 955 076 843 09 and passcode 123456, or dial 1-301-715-8592.

A recording will be posted to the project webpage after the meeting.

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